Written by

Telegraph-Forum

BUCYRUS -- It's been almost six years since Trent Miller took over his family's business. And life just keeps getting better.

As the third generation to own Miller's Drive-In at 1849 E. Mansfield St., Miller is getting ready to welcome his first child.

"I am going to be a father in December," said Miller, who has a degree in digital arts.

Miller, who did dishes and helped out since he was 11 years old, took over the business in January 2007. The operation began as a root beer stand in 1949.

"My grandparents bought it when it was a Stewart's," Miller said. "They already owned two in the Bellvue area, but found that two restaurants was a little too much for them when they started having children. This place was up for sale so they bought it and moved to Bucyrus."

Miller's parents, Gary and Jill Miller, took over the business from Ruth and Marion Miller and ran it for 28 years, until Gary Miller became a Crawford County Commissioner.

"My mom still works in the business with me. For the winter, we will have three other employees working, but will have up to seven or eight employees in the summer time," Miller said.

The restaurant still features its signature car hop service.

"We get a lot of applications, especially from high school kids," he said. "Many of those that we hire come back to work the next season."

Miller still serves his family's homemade root beer, as well as burgers, fries, onion rings, seafood and ice cream.

The establishment suffered a fire in 1984. Miller's parents rebuilt the business, adding an inside dining area at that time.

For the winter, the business is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.

"We are open on Friday evenings throughout the winter for all you can eat wing night from 4 to 8 p.m." Miller said.

"We have a good crowd that comes out here. They keep me busy and I love it."